How to Store Green Beans

Overview

Whether you pick a fresh bunch from the garden or in the produce aisle, green beans are a great vegetable staple that complement almost any meal. Be sure you're never out of this vegetable standard by keeping a ready supply on hand. Storing green beans is just as simple as preparing them.

How to Store Green Beans

Step 1

Gather fresh green beans and place them in a colander. Run cold or lukewarm water over the beans and rinse thoroughly. Drain the beans and transfer to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the ends of the green beans. Discard the ends. Cut the remainder of the green bean into smaller pieces, to your desired length.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place ice and cold water in a large bowl and set it to the side. Add the green beans to the boiling water for three minutes. Quickly put the green beans in the ice water to cool, for 3 minutes, and then thoroughly drain. (Blanching preserves nutrients that would otherwise be destroyed during the freezing process.)

Step 3

Put the drained green beans into a plastic storage bag (suitable for freezing) and seal it. Remove as much air as possible when closing; this will help prevent freezer burn. Green beans will store up to 9 months in the freezer.